Neiwai, civility, and gender distinctions

Author: Rosenlee L-H.L.

Source: Asian Philosophy, Volume 14, Number 1, March 2004 , pp. 41-58(18)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

The spatial bipolar of neiwai, that marks proper gender distinctions in the Chinese world, is often assumed to be congruous with the Western dualistic concept of private/public. However, the neiwai binary in the Chinese imaginary is rather a shifting boundary between what is perceived as central and peripheral, or civil and barbaric. In the following, we will explore the philosophical roots of the term neiwai whose ritual, symbolic functions in the process of genderization are extended beyond gender and are intrinsically intertwined with the very defining features of a civilized society.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/0955236042000190473

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